Questions & Answers

There is no change in 2016. Our hospitals and clinics serve all patients and patients can always access our services, but in 2017, Providence, Swedish, PacMed and Kadlec hospitals and clinics will be out of network, for patients with Premera coverage, which may mean increased out-of-pocket expenses.

We are communicating this now to ensure our patients can make the best decisions about their health care plan choices for 2017.

No, we have made the decision to not renew our current contract with Premera in Washington for 2017. In 2017, Providence, Swedish, PacMed and Kadlec providers will no longer be in network with Premera.

No, the changes will not take effect until January 1, 2017. Until that time, there is no immediate impact to you at our hospitals and clinics. Please make sure to speak to your provider or Premera representative, if you need to plan for treatment scheduled after January 1, 2017.

That truly depends on Premera. For the sake of our patients, physicians and all those who will be affected, we hope so. But if we cannot reach a mutually satisfactory agreement with Premera, then we will not be able to agree to a new contract.

We understand this has a personal financial impact on those who continue with Premera so we want to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed choice. Our hospitals and clinics serve all patients and patients can always access our services but in 2017, Providence, Swedish, PacMed and Kadlec hospitals and clinics will be out of network, for patients with Premera coverage, which may mean increased out-of-pocket expense.

We are communicating this now to ensure our patients can make the best decisions about their health care plan choices for 2017.

No. Providence has made the decision to not renew all current commercial contracts with Premera’s in Washington for 2017. This does not include the Medicare products – our Medicare patients will not be impacted.